Jason Wong began, “2023 was a year of strange weather”. He expects “exceptionally ‘unusual’ weather” to be the norm for the rest of the year. With environmental change increasingly accelerating, Jason drew readers' attention to the importance of mitigating the impact of climate change. He urged dental professionals to support “the environmental sustainability agenda” and make conscious choices to make a difference.
Jason pointed out that three per cent of the NHS’ carbon footprint comprises dental services.
He looked back to the opening of Bristol Dental School in September 2023, saying that it is one of the “most sustainable” buildings. The school was “delivered through the refurbishment of a pre-existing office building”, and throughout the design process, ensuring the school was sustainable was key to the decision-making process. He added that the thought that went into building the “fantastic new facility” had truly “impressed” him.
The wider profession has also made an active effort to become greener, with “over 188 participating dental teams implementing more than 2,500 positive sustainability actions”. Over 700,000 patients could be reached by these decisions.
Finally, he announced the results of a report by the College of General Dentistry investigating “the status of environmental sustainability within our oral health and dental system.” The piece (‘Sustainability in dentistry: Leading for change’) has “something for everyone” who wants to “support this agenda”, says Jason.
Sustainability in dentistry report
To encourage discussion and “inspire change at all levels of oral health and care”, the College of General Dentistry has produced the ‘Sustainability in Dentistry: Leading for Change’ report.
The document is thematically divided to provide recommendations for “each part of the system.”
It also indicates resources already available and supplementary reading for those who wish to explore further.
Visit to Bristol Dental School
The new site opened in September 2023 with a change to its operating model. The University of Bristol has taken responsibility for undergraduate students to provide direct patient care.
The refurbished site achieved “a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Very Good rating”. Designed with the university’s ambition to be carbon-neutral by 2030 in mind, it is “leading the transition away from single-use items and towards plastic-free alternatives where possible”.
Sustainability is also embedded within the school curriculum. It has already incorporated “the ‘Environmental sustainability in dentistry’ module from E-learning for Health into its training platform for all staff to complete”. Work is also underway to embed the ‘Clinical guidelines for environmental sustainability in dentistry’ and the GDC’s ‘Safe Practitioner: A framework of behaviours and outcomes for dental professional education’ into modules for students further.
What’s the story with nitrous oxide?
In May, the bulletin reviewed government guidance following the government’s response to the Advisory Council on the Misue of Drugs.
The update maintains that “nitrous oxide (N2O) is an effective adjunct for providing dental treatment in appropriate clinical settings.” However, it notes that the impact of the emissions related to its use must be considered.
Jason advises Trusts and ICSs to consult the “guidance on minimising time weighted exposure to nitrous oxide in healthcare settings in England and the Clinical guide for dental anxiety management” regarding sedation.
He also recommends that any questions on supply, risk and risk management “should, in the first instance, be directed to your Local Dental Network Chair, who can advise on the appointed regional lead/expertise to support you and your practice.”
Also covered by the update:
GDC Consultation Outcome Report: Jason says he “welcomes” the addition of environmental sustainability into ‘The Safe Practitioner: A framework of behaviours and outcomes for dental professional education’.
BDIA 2024: Readers were encouraged to visit the Chief Dental Officer’s zone at the BDIA Dental Showcase 2024. CPD sessions for all members of the profession will be held covering research, “skill mix”, safety, “the evolution of the oral health team”, “personalised care”, and “health inequalities”.